Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error
What it means
The E15 error means Bosch's anti-flood safety system (AquaStop) has detected water in the base pan underneath the dishwasher. A float switch in the bottom trips when water collects there, shutting off operation to prevent a kitchen flood. It usually points to a small internal leak rather than a major failure, and the most common fix is simply draining the trapped water out of the base.
The bottom line on the E15 error
E15 means Bosch's AquaStop anti-flood system found water in the base pan and shut the dishwasher down. Usually it is a small leak or overflow, and the fix is simply draining the trapped water from the base. But if water keeps returning, you have an active leak a reset will not cure.
Start free: cut the power and water, tilt the unit back to drain the base, and use less detergent. If E15 returns, a hose or gasket leak is cheap while a pump or sump seal runs $250โ$500 โ worth repairing against a $1,000โ$1,400 replacement, best left to a technician.
E15 snapshot
Water plus electricity โ always unplug the dishwasher and shut off the water supply before you pull it out or drain the base.
Our own at-a-glance triage of the E15 error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings โ ยท How we score โ
Common causes of the E15 error
- Water collected in the base pan from a small internal leak
- Too much detergent causing oversudsing that overflows into the base
- Worn or misaligned door gasket / seal letting water escape
- Leaking pump or sump seal
- Loose hose clamp or a cracked internal hose
- Failing water inlet valve
Which Bosch dishwashers get the E15 error
E15 is common across Bosch's AquaStop-equipped dishwashers โ the 100, 300, 500, 800 and Benchmark series โ and the closely related Thermador and Gaggenau models Bosch builds. Any Bosch with the styrofoam base pan and float switch can trigger it, and older units are more prone as pump and sump seals age.
How to fix the Bosch Dishwasher E15 error
- 1Turn off power and the water supplyUnplug the dishwasher (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water inlet valve before doing anything else. This is both a safety step and the start of the fix.
- 2Tilt the dishwasher to drain the base panPull the dishwasher out from under the cabinet, then carefully tip it back to about a 45-degree angle so the water trapped in the base flows out the rear. Have towels ready. Draining the base resets the float switch and clears E15 in most cases.
- 3Do a power resetAfter the base is dry, leave the dishwasher unplugged for about 5 minutes, then restore power. If the trigger was a one-time glitch, the code should clear.
- 4Reduce detergent and check the door sealUse only the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent (oversudsing is a frequent cause) and inspect the door gasket for damage or debris so it seals properly.
- 5Run a short test cycle and watch for leaksRestore the water supply, run a short cycle, and check underneath for any drips. If water returns to the base, there is an active leak that needs to be traced.
๐งฐ When to call a professional
If E15 comes back after you drain the base, you almost certainly have an active leak from a hose, pump, sump seal, or inlet valve that needs to be located and repaired. Bosch's official guidance is to turn off the water supply and contact Bosch Customer Support (1-800-944-2904) or a qualified technician โ opening the lower door panel and kickplate to access the safety switch is best left to a pro.
Bosch E15 vs Bosch E24: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Bosch E15 | Bosch E24 | |
|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1โ5) | 3 | 3 |
| Urgency (1โ5) | 4 | 3 |
| Typical cost | $$ | $$ |
How much does it cost to fix the E15 error?
| DIY parts | $0โ$80 |
| Professional repair (parts + labor) | $100โ$500 |
| New appliance replacement | $650โ$2,500 |
Repair or replace?
Simply draining the base after a one-time overflow can cost $0, and a service call to drain the pan with no active leak runs about $100โ$150. An active leak is pricier: a door gasket or AquaStop hose is on the low end, while a pump shaft or sump seal can push a repair to $250โ$500. With a new mid-range Bosch around $1,000โ$1,400, most single-leak repairs clear the 50% rule and are worth doing โ but a major seal job on an old unit tips toward replacement.
Common replacement parts for the E15 error
| Door gasket / seal | $20โ$60 | Frequent leak source; inexpensive DIY | |
| AquaStop inlet hose | $40โ$90 | Replace if the safety hose itself is leaking | |
| Drain / circulation pump | $60โ$150 | If a pump or its seal is the leak source | |
| Sump gasket / seal kit | $20โ$50 | For leaks at the tub sump |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier โ always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying. We are not linking parts for this code on purpose: it is a job for a qualified technician, and the right fix here starts with a diagnosis, not a purchase.
Bosch E15 error โ FAQ
๏ผ โ What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E15 means the AquaStop anti-flood system has detected water in the base pan and shut the dishwasher down to prevent a leak from flooding your kitchen.
๏ผ โ How do I clear the E15 error myself?
Turn off power and water, pull the dishwasher out and tilt it back about 45 degrees to drain the water from the base, then leave it unplugged for 5 minutes. Once the base is dry the float switch resets and E15 usually clears.
๏ผ โ Why does the E15 error keep coming back?
If it returns after draining, there's an active leak โ commonly a worn door seal, a leaking pump or sump seal, a loose hose, oversudsing, or a faulty inlet valve. The leak source needs to be found and fixed for the code to stay gone.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with Bosch. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model โ when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.